How to find cheap car insurance

Car insurance

How to find cheap car insurance

By Dean Sobers

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How to find cheap car insurance

Car insurance may be the ultimate grudge purchase but it doesn’t need to leave you out of pocket. Follow our tips to slash the cost.

Watch our video explaining three things you need to know about car insurance, then follow our top tips to slash the cost of your cover.

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Video transcript

[MUSIC]There are plenty of clever tricks that you can use to reduce yourpremium, try setting a higher excess, or paying annually to avoidinterest charges on monthly payments. The premium isn't the onlycost to consider. Some insurers charge up to 25 Pounds for youto amend your details, others demand a fee for duplicate documents.

[MUSIC]You shouldn't blindly accept your insurer's renewal quote, customerswho haggle can save an average of 78 Pounds a year. Switching provideraltogether, could save you even more. For more information onall of this, including how to find the best car insurance for you,visit which.co.uk/carinsurance.

1. Use comparison sites to get quick quotes

Price comparison sites are a good place to start as they allow you to get multiple quotes quickly. The sites are not always 100% reliable, though, so make sure you double check the policy you're interested has everything you need when you click through to the website of the provider. Remember, not every provider appears on comparison sites – check Aviva, Direct Line and Zurich as well to see if they can offer you cheap cover.

2. Set the right excess

If you're willing to fork out more on your excess – the amount you have to pay yourself in the event of a claim – your insurer will reward you with lower premiums. However, make sure you select your excess carefully.

3. Choose your occupation carefully

Insurers look at many factors when calculating the cost of cover including what you do for a living. However, the job categories used can be broad meaning that many drivers could fit into many different segments.

For example, if you work in publishing as a writer and put your occupation as journalist you're likely to pay more than you would if you put down editor, copywriter or even reporter. If you're unemployed, but are a housewife or househusband, putting yourself down as a homemaker instead can help you save money.

However, remember that you should never lie about job. Don’t say you're a butcher if you’re a baker. This is considered fraud and you could be prosecuted.

4. Avoid modifying your car

Don’t be fooled into thinking that insurers only consider boy racer cars as being modified. Even a small modification to your car, such as new alloys, can cause your premiums to rise. If you're going to make any changes to your car always discuss them with your insurer first.

Conversely, any modification to your vehicle that increases it safety could save you money. Installing an alarm, tracker or immobiliser – especially if approved by car safety research firm Thatcham – can set your car insurance premiums tumbling.

5. Pay for your cover annually (if you can afford to)

Insurers will give you the option to pay for you cover in two ways - on a monthly basis or in annual lump sum. While paying monthly might seem like a sensible way to spread the cost, it can cost £100 more than paying annually.

Paying for cover on a monthly basis involves taking a loan, usually at high interest, from your provider. APR can vary but it can be as high as 40%. Some insurers will also charge you a fee for setting up a monthly payment plan. Kwik Fit, for example, charges £35 for providing you with credit.

Always check pay-monthly fees and the compare the cost against annual cover. It's not always clear on comparison sites what APR you'd pay, so check with the insurer direct before accepting a quote

6. Avoid auto renewal

Insurers reserve the best deals for new customers and often push up the premiums for their loyal policyholders. Rather than just allowing your policy to roll into another year shop around and see if you can find yourself a lower premium. Even if you want to stay with your provider you can use this as a platform to haggle.

7. Check the specialists

Drivers over 50 and drivers under 25 are statistically more likely than other motorists to be involved in accidents, which means that they'll still pay more for cover.

However, black box car insurance, also known as telematics, can be used by any motorist looking to save money. A black box is fitted to your car, monitoring how you drive. If you can prove that you're a good driver you're rewarded, usually with cheaper cover.

If you're an older driver there are specialist providers, such as Age UK, RIAS and Saga, you can get quotes from.

8. Try a broker

If you’re still having trouble finding suitable car cover, use the British Insurance Brokers' Association's 'find a broker service'. Call them on 0370 950 1790 or check biba.org.uk for more. You can also contact the Which? Money Helpline for advice on finding cover.